SPD tightens security at four SM malls

The Southern Police District (SPD) ordered all seven station commanders yesterday to tighten the security at the four ShoeMart malls following a bank robbery at the Southmall that resulted in the wounding of five security guards last Aug. 2

Superintendent Jesus Castro Jr., SPD operations and plans division chief, said they have disseminated an order to all seven police stations based on the request of the Banco de Oro management.

Eugene Chua, Banco de Oro assistant vice president for security, sent a letter to the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) on Aug. 5 asking for an augmentation of security personnel to the SM shopping centers.

Several SM malls have Banco de Oro branches. SM has malls in Las Piñas, Makati, Sucta and Bicutan in Parañaque.

Chua requested for added personnel, specifically during banking hours from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., from Monday to Saturday.

"I instructed the chiefs of police to deploy police mobile patrols and SWAT personnel to all SM shopping malls to deter bank robberies," Castro said.

The request came a few days after 10 armed men robbed the bank’s armored van at the SM Southmall in Las Piñas City. Security guards Richard Boncada, Elmer Darag, Joseas Paningbata, Rodel Alambra and Aguido Gono were hurt when the gunmen opened fire at them.